Pixel Group Exposure Control for Dynamic Range and Saturation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Imaging devices, such as smartphones, face challenges in setting an adequate exposure amount quickly when dealing with varying brightness conditions, leading to saturation issues and reduced resolution due to the inability to distinguish between different light sources, such as fluorescent light and sunlight.
Innovation Solution
A control device and method that sets multiple exposure amounts for a pixel group before recording an image and reduces them to fewer types during recording, using a combination of long and short duration pixels to achieve high dynamic range and rapid exposure adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of exposure amounts are set to the pixel group in the first mode before recording, then the dynamic range is expanded and saturation can be avoided, but the resolution is degraded when pixels are saturated and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel group is segmented into different pixel types (first pixels and second pixels) with different exposure characteristics. This segmentation allows the system to handle different brightness levels effectively while maintaining manageable complexity through structured organization of pixel functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically switches between different exposure amounts based on luminance levels. The control device adjusts the exposure amount of each pixel type according to the detected luminance, enabling adaptive response to varying scene conditions without requiring manual intervention.
2Device complexity
If all pixels are unified with the same exposure amount, then the device complexity is reduced, but the dynamic range is limited and saturation occurs in bright sections
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the pixel group are assigned different exposure characteristics. Specifically, certain pixels are configured with first exposure amounts while others use second exposure amounts, allowing local optimization for different luminance conditions within the same image scene.
Solution Approach 2:
The exposure amount parameter is changed based on luminance conditions. The control device detects the luminance of the imaging scene and adjusts the exposure amount of each pixel type accordingly, switching between different exposure parameters to optimize image quality across varying brightness levels.
3Device complexity
If the exposure amount is reduced gradually when saturation occurs, then the device complexity is reduced, but the time required to set the appropriate exposure amount increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary classification of pixels into different exposure types before actual imaging. This preliminary configuration allows the device to immediately use the appropriate exposure amount when imaging begins, avoiding the need for gradual adjustment and reducing the time required to achieve proper exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device uses feedback from luminance detection to determine the appropriate exposure amount. By detecting the luminance of the imaging scene and using this feedback to select the correct exposure amount for each pixel type, the system achieves rapid and accurate exposure setting without gradual adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a control device, a control method, and an electronic device that enable an adequate exposure amount to be set at high speed. A control unit controls an exposure amount of a pixel group that is a two-dimensional arrangement of a plurality of pixels. Specifically, in a first mode before recording of a photographed image is started, the control unit sets a plurality of types of exposure amounts to the pixel group, and in a second mode in which the photographed image is recorded, the control unit sets fewer types of exposure amounts than in the first mode to the pixel group. The present technology can be applied to, for example, a control device that controls a solid state imaging element.